Primary Sources WHY USE THEM? Teresa Potter, OKAGE Teacher Consultant

What Are Primary Sources The pieces of evidence that historians use to learn about people, events and every day life. content/uploads/2011/08/clothesdrive.jpg

A first-hand, original account, record or evidence about a person, place, object, or an event. Oral histories, objects, photographs, and documents such as newspapers, census records, diaries, journals, inventories, etc.

Why Primary Sources? They help you….  Investigate and problem solve  Experience history through your learning styles  Because they are real and tangible  Draw conclusions, construct meaning and direct your own learning  Sort through and understand varying perspectives

Primary Sources and the Multiple Intelligence  Verbal Linguistic- use language and speaking skills to make sense of complex meaning  Logical Mathematical- Thinking in terms of cause and effect relationships, problem solving & calculation skills  Bodily Kinesthetic- Thinking in terms of movement, physical skills and working with one’s hands  Visual Spatial- Using pictures, paintings, photographs, etc. to understand perceptions  Musical- Sounds, melodies, rhythms, instruments, etc. that help us construct meaning  Interpersonal- understanding other people and being Sensitive to their motives, intentions, and moves  Intrapersonal- Thinking about and understanding oneself; having empathy  Naturalist- Understanding patterns of life and natural forces

Primary Source Maps “Anytime I feel lost, I pull out a map and stare. I stare until I have reminded myself that life is a giant adventure, so much to do, to see.” ~Angelina Jolie

How can we critically study maps?  Identify the conditions under which the map was produced.  Determine its purpose or the message it is conveying. Ask yourself, “Is the map biased?”  Identify what the map is telling about the country(ies) displayed and its relationship with other countries.  Focus on the relationship between people and places. Determine how people have changed the environment to suit their needs.

Primary Source Maps Strengths  Shows place- a graphic representation of selected aspects of Earth’s surface.  They give information about selected physical and human features.  They can show how features are located, arranged, distributed, and related to one another. Weaknesses  No single map can accurately depict all Earth’s properties.  Not a complete or objective source.  They reflect the bias of the cartographer.  Emotions are not evident.  The effect of humans on the environment can be difficult to identify

Primary Source Written Documents “no society is so precious as that of one’s own family.” ~Thomas Jefferson 11 January

How Can We Critically Study Primary Source Documents?  Identify the author and audience  Look beyond the intended meaning to discover hidden agendas, unintended meanings, bias or point of view of the author  Analyze tone, grammar, word choice and style

Primary Source Documents Strengths  Provides information on the who, what, when, where, why and how of an event  Provides written, printed or graphic information  Sometimes offers the level of emotion for readers  Can simulate personal involvement for readers Weaknesses  Not thoroughly objective  Not visual  There’s often more to the story  Usually contains author bias and agenda  If author is no longer living, cannot consult with  Difficult to read handwriting that has changed over time

“ ” History, despite it’s wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again. M AYA A NGELOU Putting It All Together!